Why Landlords Should Keep Their Gas Safety Certificates Up to Date
Landlords are responsible for making sure that all gas appliances conform with the rules and regulations and are safe. Infractions could result in fines and harm the security of tenants.
CP12 is the abbreviation of CORGI Form 12. homeowner gas safety certificate is also called a Gas Safety Certificate or a Landlord's Gas Safety Record.
Gas pipework, appliances and flues have to be tested annually. But some landlords struggle to gain access to their properties and are forced to shorten their inspection cycle.
It's an obligation of the law
If you're a property owner with one property or several rental properties, it's essential to keep your gas safety certificates current. A fine or even a criminal prosecution could be the result of infractions. It is also beneficial to get your gas appliances checked, and show a valid certificate in every home.
The gas safety certificate contains details such as the date of inspection, the address of the property which was inspected, information about each appliance with their current condition and the ID number and name of the engineer who carried out the survey. It also identifies any appliances which are considered 'unsafe to use' and provides suggestions on ways to eliminate the issue. If an engineer discovers unsuitable appliances, they'll issue an "ID" code. If an appliance is considered to be at risk but not immediately dangerous the appliance will be issued an "AR" code.
Tenants can refuse access for a safety check. This can cause problems in the relationship between tenants and landlords. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations of 1988 require landlords to take all reasonable steps to be in compliance. This includes making multiple attempts to conduct the checks, and writing to the tenant informing them that this is a legal requirement for their own security. It's also a good idea to include arrangements for access in the lease agreement.
Landlords must also display a copy of their gas safety certificate at each property. This will stop tenants from moving into homes with unsafe gas appliances, and will allow prospective tenants to see the record of safety inspections. Furthermore, a gas safety certificate will help to build an image of an honest and professional landlord, which can bring in more tenants.
As well as ensuring your gas equipment is safe, having an annual service contract with a Gas Safe registered Engineer can save you money and time in the long in the long. For instance, many gas companies offer a reduced cost for annual Gas Safety Certificates. You should shop around to find the most affordable price.
It's a good idea
As a landlord, it's your responsibility to ensure that any gas appliances on your property are safe. Regular inspections by a certified Gas Safe engineer are the best way to find and correct any issues before they become more serious and risky for tenants. Regular inspections aid in keeping gas boilers, as well other equipment in good working order, allowing them to last longer.
Landlords must possess a Gas Safety Certificate valid for each gas appliance in their home. These certificates are required by law, and landlords who do not possess them face huge fines or finding their appliances unsafe for tenants to use. It's easy to obtain an Gas Safety Certificate by hiring an engineer and setting up an appointment.
A yearly gas check is the minimum requirement in the Gas Safety Regulations, but it is advisable to have more frequent check-ups especially if your property was left empty for a prolonged period of time. This is because appliances can be altered or the gas supply may be shut off when the property was not being used.
When it comes to re-letting your property, it's essential to have a current gas safety report before you can hand keys to new tenants. Re-inspections are also required if tenants have removed the old appliances or if any work has been completed on the gas system.
It's a great idea to ask your tenant to allow access to their property prior to any inspection. If they refuse then you can write an explanation in a letter of the reason for access and what's involved during the gas safety inspection. If they continue to refuse, you can start the eviction process by sending them a section 21 notice.
Gas safety is your top priority. You must have an Gas Safety Certificate on all of your gas appliances. You may lose your deposit and face legal action from your local council or Health and Safety Executive if you do not. It's a good idea to avoid this, to have your Gas Safety Certificate updated and to have an annual inspection by an Gas Safe engineer.
It's a thorny issue
When it comes to landlord gas safety inspections there are a lot of people who are not happy with the situation. It is not only a legal requirement but it is also a good idea to make sure that tenants use appliances that have been inspected by professionals. If something goes wrong, it could result in a gas-hazard scenario that could be catastrophic for anyone in or within the building.
Some tenants, however do not want to be inspected. This is reasonable. They might think that it is a violation of their privacy or believe that the inspection could be some sort of ploy to monitor them or their lifestyles. But landlords should keep in their minds that they are legally obligated to carry out these inspections, and they must only do it if the tenants grant them access to their property.
It can be a hassle for landlords to have to deal with tenants who are unreliable particularly if they own multiple properties. It is crucial that landlords keep in mind that if their gas safety certificate is not obtained, they could be fined a lot and tenants may not be allowed to move into the property until the issue is resolved.
Keep copies of the gas certificate for your landlord in case you ever have to repossess the property. If the previous tenants do not have a copy of the certificate, they may not be able to prove the inspections were conducted correctly. It's a good idea to keep a record in case.
If a landlord does not provide their tenants a copy of the gas safety certificate within the timeframe of 28 days of carrying out an inspection, they could be prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). If you are a tenant, then you should get your landlord's permission as soon as you can.
Landlords are required to keep their Gas Safe certificates current and share copies with their tenants. Gas Safe offers them online at a quick and simple process. The certificate is not costly dependent on where you are and the number of appliances checked, it costs between PS50 and PS90.
It's not expensive
Most people don't think of gas safety checks when you consider the costs of renting a house. This is a legal requirement and should not be ignored. It ensures your tenants are protected and you can produce a valid certificate in case any issues arise. It also helps you avoid costly repairs.
It's also important to keep in mind that a landlord must keep their pipework, appliances and flues in good condition. Regular maintenance can help prevent carbon monoxide which is a major health hazard. It is caused by defective gas cookers, fires and boilers. Carbon monoxide is a colorless gas that is tasteless, odourless and tasteless that isn't detectable without the use of specialist equipment. It's essential to install carbon monoxide detectors throughout your property and check them regularly as well as examining gas appliances.
The cost of a landlord gas safety check may differ from engineer to engineer. You can find a fair price by entering your postcode online and looking at quotes. Ask about discounts if there are several properties to be checked. Some engineers offer discounts if you combine inspections.
The location of your property is another factor that can affect the cost of a security check. Landlords who live in metropolitan areas like London will be required to pay more for a gas safety inspection than those who live in less affluent or remote areas.
Landlords should also be aware that some tenants might not allow access for the purpose of a check. This is usually due fears of an invasion of their privacy or suspicion that it's a plot to spy on them. A carefully written note outlining your reasons for gaining access to their home should convince them.
If the tenant continues to deny access to the property, the landlord may decide to force the tenant to comply with the inspection. This could include giving a Section 21 Notice, although the court will decide whether the notice is reasonable. The best option for the landlord is to speak with the tenant to explain why it's necessary to carry out a gas safety check.